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How to Choose an Outsourced Converter

Converters are companies that help manufacturers create finished products. By providing services such as die cutting, laminating, assembly, and packaging, converting companies can strengthen your supply chain and support your business model.

Selecting the right outsourced converter is an important task, so make sure to consider a potential partner’s business philosophy, capabilities, technologies, and quality. Let’s look at each of these four factors in detail, and consider some questions to ask during vendor selection.

Business Philosophy

When evaluating an outsourced converter, it’s important to determine if the company emphasizes price at the expense of value. Offering the lowest price may allow a converter to win some jobs, but satisfied customers pick partners who also offer value in terms of quality and reliability.

How well does the converter understand your project? Does they listen to all of your needs before recommending solutions? Once production begins, will you receive regular updates? Understanding a potential partner’s business philosophy will help you to know what to expect.

Capabilities

Different converters have different capabilities, so it’s important to choose a vendor who can meet your specific needs. For example, if you’re a product designer for a biomedical company, you may need to find a gasket fabricator with cleanroom capabilities and an ISO 13485:2003 certified facility.

Do you need an outsourced converter who can source FDA approved materials instead? How about a converter who can ship medium-volume quantities according to your sales forecasts? Consider all of a potential partner’s capabilities, including engineering expertise.

Technologies

When evaluating an outsourced converter, it’s also critical to consider the company’s current technologies and commitment to the future. In order to grow with you, a vendor may need the financial resources to upgrade its equipment set.

Does the converter have the type of die cutting machinery that can convert materials in the most efficient way? If there’s a problem with production, is there another way to get the job done? The physical location of the plant and estimated freight costs are also important to evaluate.

Quality

Finally, make sure to choose an outsourced converter who shares your commitment to quality. For example, if you’re a medical device manufacturer, look for a partner with an ISO 13485:2004 certification. Quality can also mean protecting your intellectual property and computer data.

Interstate Specialty Products welcomes your questions about outsourcing and provides custom manufacturing that meets all of your application requirements. For over 50 years, our Made in the USA manufacturing company has been converting non-metallic materials into high-quality products.

To learn more about us and how we can help your business, contact us on-line or call (800) 984-1811.